Natural Building

[Kyle]

Hey everyone,

Just thought I'd post a bunch of link for all those interested in building with natural materials. Enjoy
It's by no means everything but it's a good start.

Natural Building Links

http://naturalbuildingnetwork.org/index.htm

Cob

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cob_(material)
http://www.cobcottage.com/
http://naturalbuildingnetwork.org/cold_climate_cob.htm


Cordwood

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordwood_construction
http://www.daycreek.com/dc/html/allthingscordwood.htm - excellent site and forum


Compressed Earth Brick

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_earth_block
http://www.earth-auroville.com/


Rammed Earth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rammed_earth
http://www.diyrammedearth.com/


Strawbale

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw-bale_construction
http://www.thelaststraw.org/
http://www.earthgarden.com.au/strawbale/strawhome.html
http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/strawbale.html
http://www.balewatch.com/ - interesting plans

Light Clay Straw

http://www.econest.com/
http://www.designcoalition.org/features/natural/liteclay.htm
http://www.foxmaple.com/proclay.html - Wood Chips instead of straw


Timber Frames

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/woodworking/4213580.html


Plaster & Finishing

http://www.thelaststraw.org/bonus-articles/earthplaster.html
http://www.americanclay.com/ - finish plaster


Foundations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundation_(architecture)


Roofs

http://www.demesne.info/Improve-Your-Home/Roofing.htm


If I were to build in Kakwa today I'd probably build a 16x24 gable roof house with loft. I'd use a post and beam timber frame on pillar foundaition, with rubble trench and stabalized rammed earth grade beam. Infilled with strawbales, lime plaster outside, earth plaster inside, a metal roof with generous overhangs. Adobe floor, heated with a wood stove, with high thermal mass. It would be suitable for a one person to a small family. - What would you build?

[Russ]

Hi Kyle,

Thanks for the Topic and links!

How about a scanned drawing with sections showing what your "dream house" would look like? You could post it on pictures and reference the Discussion Topic. Colors are good...architectural software images would be way kewl!

[Laurie "Willow" Beacom]

I am of three minds....either cob, straw bale or sandbag ( superadobe... http://www.calearth.org/EcoDome/ecodome.html ). I have taken a few cob workshops with Ianto Evans, Linda Smiley and Penny Livingston-Stark, built a cob house and a few cob ovens and while I have researched straw bale and sandbag, I haven't tried my hand at those....yet!

I am highly interested in moving to Kakwa and would love to have more information about the village...but I'll start another thread so as not to derail this one :)

peace
Willow